Stingrays take Under 13 flag

THE Corner Inlet Stingrays are the 2013 Alberton Junior Football League Under 13 premiers after defeating Inverloch-Kongwak on Sunday. After being held scoreless in the first quarter as they battled strong winds at the Foster Recreation Reserve, the Stingrays staged a brave comeback to take home the premiership cup. Kicking to the scoring end, Inverloch-Kongwak managed to head into the first break with an eight point lead.

Inverloch-Kongwak coach Craig Reid told his side they were doing well in “terrible conditions and the game was going to be a battle of will”. The advantage of kicking to the hospital end of the ground was evident within the opening minutes of the second term with the Stingrays immediately getting on the scoreboard. Goals to the Stingrays Jason Smith and Jake Thornell suddenly saw them hit the lead, while the Sea Eagles were held scoreless for the quarter. From here the Stingrays didn’t look back, battling hard to hold onto their lead and minimise the damage of the Sea Eagles kicking to the scoring end in the third term.

The margin was quickly reduced to two points with Inverloch-Kongwak kicking the first two goals of the quarter. But a late goal to Corner Inlet’s Sam Flanders gave them an eight point lead heading into the final term. IK coach Craig Reid congratulated his side on a good three quarters of football and reminded them that the results did not matter as he was “already really proud” of them. With the scoring end advantage, the Stingrays were able to extend their lead in the final quarter to run away with the game led by a best on ground effort from Brock Cripps.